Patent Application
20240228136
The present invention relates generally to a polymeric closure for a package. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymeric closure that is a flip-top closure with tamper-evidency.
Polymeric closures have been used in many applications over the years in conjunction with containers. One type of polymeric closure that has been used with containers is a tamper-evident polymeric closure. Tamper-evident closures are used to prevent or inhibit tampering by providing a visible indication to a user if the closure has been opened.
Some tamper-evident features for flip-top closures include the use of a foil liner or tear member mechanisms. The use of foil liners tends to be expensive and also requires additional manufacturing steps in forming the closure or package. The use of tear membrane mechanisms adds restrictions to the material forming the closure since they require a softer, more ductile polymeric material to meet removal force specifications. This limits the polymeric materials that can be used in forming the flip-top closure. It would be desirable to provide a closure that overcomes such problems, while still performing desirable properties of a closure including providing tamper-evidency.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tamper-evident, flip-top closure includes a first closure portion, a second closure portion, and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion forms a cavity and an opening therethrough. The polymeric top wall portion further forms opposing pivotable recesses. The second closure portion includes a plug and a pivotable support. The plug is sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion. The pivotable support has a first end extension and a second end extension. The first and second end extensions are sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. The hinge includes at least one frangible connection. The cavity is sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion. After the at least one frangible connection is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure portion with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the cavity is formed by a first side wall, a second side wall, an end wall, and a bottom.
According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the cavity is sized and configured to receive substantially all of the second closure portion. In one embodiment, the cavity is sized and configured to receive all of the second closure portion.
In a further aspect of the above implementation, the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections. After the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the hinge includes a thinned section in the general middle thereof.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the second closure portion further includes a side wall. The plug is located between the pivotable support and the side wall of the second closure portion.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the side wall of the second closure portion forms a lifting extension.
According to another configuration of the above implementation, each of the opening and the plug has a tear-drop shape.
According to another configuration of the above implementation, an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package includes a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The neck portion has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The flip-top closure is configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening of the container. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion, a second closure portion, and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion forms a cavity and an opening therethrough. The polymeric top wall portion further forms opposing pivotable recesses. The second closure portion includes a plug and a pivotable support. The plug is sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion. The pivotable support has a first end extension and a second end extension. The first and second end extensions are sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. The hinge includes at least one frangible connection. The cavity is sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion. After the at least one frangible connection is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure portion with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the cavity is sized and configured to receive substantially all of the second closure portion. In one embodiment, the cavity is sized and configured to receive all of the second closure portion.
According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections. After the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
In a further aspect of the above implementation, the hinge includes a thinned section in the general middle thereof.
In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the second closure portion further includes a side wall. The plug is located between the pivotable support and the side wall of the second closure portion.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension. The exterior surface of the neck portion includes an A-collar. The annular inwardly extension and the A-collar assist in locking the flip-top closure to the container
According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of opening a package includes providing a package including a container and a flip-top closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The neck portion has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The flip-top closure is configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container. The flip-top closure includes a first closure portion, a second closure portion, and a hinge. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The polymeric top wall portion forms a cavity and an opening therethrough. The polymeric top wall portion further forms opposing pivotable recesses. The second closure portion includes a plug and a pivotable support. The plug is sized and configured to being received into the opening of the first closure portion. The pivotable support has a first end extension and a second end extension. The first and second end extensions are sized and configured to be received into a respective one of the opposing pivotable recesses. The hinge connects the first closure portion and the second closure portion. The hinge includes at least one frangible connection. The cavity is sized and configured to receive at least a part of the second closure portion. The at least one frangible connection is broken. The second closure portion is flipped and pivoted with respect to the first closure portion to move the closure between a closed position and an open, flipped position via the first and second end extensions.
According to a configuration of the above implementation, the hinge includes a plurality of frangible connections. After the plurality of frangible connections is broken, the second closure portion is moveable between a closed position and an open, flipped position by flipping and pivoting the second closure with respect to the first closure portion via the first and second end extensions.
According to a further configuration of the above implementation, an interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion includes an annular inwardly extension. The exterior surface of the neck portion includes an A-collar. The annular inwardly extension and the A-collar assist in locking the flip-top closure to the container.
The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below.
Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
The flip-top polymeric closures of the present invention are configured to be placed on a container or bottle that contain product. More specifically, the flip-top polymeric closures of the present invention are configured for fitment to a neck portion or finish of the container for closing the opening of the container. A non-limiting example of a container that may be used with the flip-top polymeric closure 10 is shown with a container 108 in
The flip-top polymeric closure is designed to be easily applied to the finish of the container, but which, however, results in the polymeric closure being locked to the container finish in one embodiment. At least a substantial portion of the flip-top polymeric closure is configured to remain with the container, which reduces environmental waste when the container is recycled.
Referring back to
The height of the first side wall 32a varies from a first end (shown as first height H1) to a second end (shown as second height H2). The second height H2 is greater than the first height H1. The second height H2 is generally from about 0.2 to about 0.6 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.3 to about 0.5 inch. The first height H1 is generally from about 0.05 to about 0.3 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.1 to about 0.2 inch. The heights of the second side wall 32b are similar or the same as the first side wall 32a. The height H3 of the end wall 32c is generally from about 0.2 to about 0.6 inch and, more specifically, from about 0.3 to about 0.5 inch.
The opening 28 allows a user to gain access to the contents of the container 108. The shape of the opening 28 is a tear-drop shape, which is shown best in
The polymeric top wall portion 22 further forms opposing pivotable recesses 38a, 38b as shown in
An exterior surface 24a of the polymeric annular skirt portion 24 is shown as being generally smooth. It is contemplated that the surface of polymeric annular skirt portion may be of other textures. The polymeric annular skirt portion 24 includes an annular inwardly extension 48 extending from an interior surface 24b of the polymeric annular skirt portion 24 as shown in
It is contemplated that other mechanisms may be used in preventing or inhibiting removal of the flip-top closure from the container. One non-limiting example is a corresponding ratchet and lugs arrangement between the flip-top closure and the finish of the container. Another non-limiting example is a tamper-evident feature between the flip-top closure and the finish of the container that may allow for the flip-top closure to be removed from the container.
It is contemplated that an exterior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion may include an inner seal. Such a seal would potentially assist in further preventing or inhibiting air, moisture or other potential contaminants from contacting the contents in the container.
Referring back to
Referring to
As shown best in
As shown in
The hinge 50 includes a thinned section 54 (shown best in
Once closed, the hinge 50 interferes with the ability to move the flip-top polymeric closure 10 to an open, flipped position. To move the flip-top polymeric closure 10 into an open, flipped position, at least one of the frangible connections 52a, 52b needs to be broken. Removing or damaging the hinge 50 shows clear visual evidence to a user that the closure may have been tampered with. Thus, the hinge 50 provides tamper-evidency to a user. If only one of the frangible connections 52a, 52b is broken, the hinge 50 will remain with either the first or the second closure portion 12, 14. If both of the frangible connections 52a, 52b are broken, then the hinge will not be connected to either the first or the second closure portion 12, 14 and, thus, will be separated from the remainder of the flip-top closure in this embodiment.
The plurality of frangible connections 52a, 52b may be formed by molded-in-bridges in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the molded-in-bridges are formed using a feature in the mold. The plurality of frangible connections is in the form of scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks or other lines of weaknesses.
It is contemplated that the hinge may be a plurality of hinges in another closure embodiment. The plurality of hinges would each have at least one frangible connection and desirably each would have a plurality of frangible connections (e.g., two frangible connections).
The flip-top closures of the present invention may include an oxygen-scavenger material. This oxygen-scavenger material may be distributed within the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygen-scavenger material may be any material that assists in removing oxygen within the container, while having little or no effect on the contents within the container.
Alternatively, or in addition to, the flip-top closures may include an oxygen-barrier material. The oxygen-barrier material may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated within the closure itself. The oxygen-barrier materials assist in preventing or inhibiting oxygen from entering the container through the closure. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen-barrier materials may be used in the closure.
The flip-top polymeric closure 10 is typically made of a polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)) or blends thereof. One example of a polyethylene that may be used is high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or the combination thereof. It is contemplated that the flip-top closure may be made of other polymeric materials.
The flip-top polymeric closure is typically light weight. The flip-top polymeric closure is generally from about 8 to about 30 grams and typically is from about 8 to about 20 grams. In other embodiments, the flip-top polymeric closure is from about 10 to about 17 grams, or from about 12 to about 17 grams. The flip-top polymeric closure in a further embodiment is from about 8 to about 15 grams, or from about 10 to about 15 grams.
The flip-top polymeric closures are typically formed by processes such as injection or compression molding.
A neck portion or finish 102 of the container 108 is shown in
The container 108 is typically made of polymeric material. One non-limiting example of a material to be used in forming a polymeric container is high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or blends using the same. It is contemplated that the container may be formed of other polymeric or copolymer materials. It is also contemplated that the container may be formed of glass. The container 108 typically has an encapsulated oxygen-barrier layer or oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.
To open the container 108 and gain access to the product therein, the second closure portion 14 is initially flipped with respect to the first closure portion 12. To initiate this process, at least one of the frangible connections 52a, 52b needs to be broken before the second closure portion 14 can be moved from its closed position.
In another process, which is typical, both of the frangible connections 52a, 52b are broken. In this process, the hinge 50 is separated from the remainder of the closure 10. Whether one or both of the frangible connections 52a, 52b is broken, this indicates to a user that the second closure portion 14 may have been moved with respect to the first closure portion 12 from a closed position to an open, flipped position.
After at least one of the frangible connections 52a, 52b is broken, a user in one method will then grasp the lifting extension 70 and pull upwardly (in the direction of Arrow B) and then inwardly (in the direction of arrow C) to the open, flipped position as shown best in
When the closure 10 is moved from a closed position to an open, flipped position, the plug 60 of the second closure portion 14 is removed from the opening 28.
The flip-top polymeric closures of the present invention are desirable in both low-temperature and high-temperature applications. The polymeric closures may be used in low-temperature applications such as an ambient or a cold fill. These applications include aseptic applications such as dairy products, water, sports drinks, and pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. It is contemplated that other low-temperature applications may be used with the polymeric closures formed by the processes of the present invention.
The flip-top polymeric closures of the present invention may be exposed to high-temperature applications such as hot-fill, pasteurization, and retort applications. A hot fill application is generally performed at temperatures around 185° F., while a hot fill with pasteurization is generally performed at temperatures around 205° F. Retort applications are typically done at temperatures greater than 250° F. It is contemplated that the polymeric closures of the present invention can be used in other high-temperature applications.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.
